Electric Go Karts for Children
Go karts, also called "go carts," are small, open-framed cars used for racing. Most are powered by gasoline, but some electric models are marketed to children between ages five and 15. Popular models include the electric Razor Go Cart and the Hot Wheels Go Kart. Electric go karts are described as being safer and more environmentally friendly than the gas alternative.
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Advantages of Electric
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A primary consideration to make when purchasing a go kart for a child is safety. One gasoline powered go kart can release as many pollutants into the air as 100 cars. While this high output of pollutants is dangerous to the Earth in general, it can wreak havoc on a child's developing respiratory system. Electric go karts are beneficial because they eliminate all toxic fumes and other pollutants. Likewise, the sound of motors in gas-powered go karts can result in hearing loss. However, electric carts are significantly more quiet, so they preserve a child's hearing and are also more suitable for residential use. Finally, the added weight of batteries gives the electric carts a greater sense of stability and helps prevent crashes.
Hot Wheels Go Kart
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The Hot Wheels Go Kart is favored for young children between ages six and nine. This model includes additional safety features to prevent crashes. The cart moves at a maximum speed of ten miles per hour, so it is a good vehicle in which to practice basic racing skills in a low risk environment. The cart comes with sidewalk chalk and track templates to encourage children to be creative and design custom racetracks.
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Razor Go Cart
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The Razor Go Cart has received awards from multiple adult media outlets like Time Magazine and U.S. News & World Report. The go cart has also been recognized by Sports Illustrated for Kids and Nick Jr. and was been named Toy of the Year by parenting magazines. The Razor Go Cart moves at speeds up to 20 miles per hour and is recommended for children ages 10 and older. Children who begin with the Hot Wheels model "graduate" to the Razor.
Considerations
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Even though electric go karts are marketed mainly to children, the creators of the popular mainstream television sow MythBusters may be changing this. In a 2008 version of the show, the crew converts an adult-size gasoline powered go cart to run on electric battery power. The electric model is heavier than the gasoline powered one but still managed to reach speeds of 75 miles per hour and to finish within one second of the gasoline powered vehicle. The MythBusters study might be an indication that electric go karts will grow into a trend for families and professional racers as well.
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References
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